The Diocese of Bangued in the province of Abra reported that at least 24 parishes have been affected by the 7.0 magnitude earthquake that hit the northern Philippines on July 27.
“There are 24 parishes that are really affected, but with different levels of damage,” said Father Jeffrey Bueno, social action director of the diocese.
In an interview with Radio Veritas 846, the priest said several churches were also destroyed.
Father Bueno said among the most affected is the St. Catherine of Alexandria church in Tayum, Abra.
The church is considered to be a heritage site being the oldest church in the Cordillera region.
Also ruined were the brick walls of the San Lorenzo Ruiz Shrine church in Bangued.
“What happened was really sad and disheartening, but let’s not lose hope because there are people and institutions that are with us,” said the priest.
The Armed Forces of the Philippines, meanwhile, announced that it has deployed 14 search, rescue, and retrieval teams to areas severely affected by the earthquake.
The Department of Public Works and Highways reported that the partial cost of damage to national roads has already reached PhP59.23 million.
In an advisory, Public Works Secretary Manuel Bonoan said the agency has already reopened 13 national road sections in the Cordillera Administrative Region and Ilocos Region.
